Overview

• Boston has won six straight games and eight of its last ten to reach a 49-45 record and tie for the final American League wild-card spot.
• Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has declared starting pitching the top deadline priority even after encouraging outings from Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello.
• Boston is among teams monitoring Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan, who owns an 8-4 record, a 2.76 ERA and 116 strikeouts in 104 innings.
• The front office is weighing a trade for Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley to strengthen its late-inning bullpen.
• The Red Sox are gauging market interest in veteran reliever Aroldis Chapman and outfielder Jarren Duran to optimize roster balance and returns.